Vintage interior design is the term used to describe styles from the past. There are numerous trends in interior design that can serve as sources of inspiration, allowing your vintage-themed home to incorporate both old and new elements.

If you’re uncertain about which era you prefer, here is a glimpse into some of the most well-liked vintage interior design styles.

Popular Vintage Interior Design Styles

Vintage interior design does not have its own style, instead it incorporates details from more than 50 years ago. A room with a vintage-inspired design can blend modern furniture with furniture from the past. However, selecting a preferred style can provide guidance for the design of the room.

Art Deco Vintage Interior Design

Art Deco interior design gained popularity during the early to mid-1900s and emerged in France before it spread across the globe, ultimately becoming a renowned international style. Pioneering rich and opulent colors and employing lavish materials, it showcases streamlined furniture, geometric patterns, and a profusion of metallic elements.

If you appreciate a luxurious yet modern appearance, considering Art Deco as a vintage interior design style is a fruitful exploration.

To achieve the Art Deco look, follow these steps: Begin by painting your walls white. Next, incorporate rich, jewel-toned furniture and add geometric metallic accents such as a sunburst mirror. Additionally, use luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet whenever possible.

Vintage Farmhouse Interior Design

The vintage farmhouse interior design takes inspiration from the early farmhouses that first appeared in the United States in the 1700s. The original farmhouse style encompasses various wooden elements and a neutral decor that emphasizes functionality.

During the 1930s, interior designer Sister Parish popularized the American Farmhouse vintage style. Parish became well-known for her distinctive approach, which involved painting wood floors, furniture in white, and incorporating patterned upholstery. This unique style gained momentum as many affluent individuals enlisted her services to design their homes.

To achieve a vintage farmhouse appearance, one should consider using wood or painted furnishings, incorporating wide plank hardwood flooring, opting for practical furniture pieces, and integrating upholstery with patterns and plaids.

Vintage Rustic Interior Design

Rustic interior design incorporates weathered yet organic materials and has its origins in early dwellings where local resources were utilized for building. Key aspects such as wooden flooring, hand-crafted ceiling beams, untreated wood details, and the inclusion of stone contribute significantly to its aesthetic.

Rustic interior design can vary depending on the location, taking on different forms. For instance, individuals residing in forest areas might opt for a log cabin aesthetic, featuring abundant exposed wood. Alternatively, those located in desert-like regions might choose an adobe-style home to achieve a rustic look.

To achieve a vintage rustic interior, utilize local natural materials and embrace their imperfections rather than seeking perfection. Additionally, maintain a neutral color palette, incorporate comfortable furniture, and keep the decor to a minimum.

Vintage Glam Interior Design

The vintage glam interior design draws inspiration from the Hollywood Regency period, which aligns with the Art Deco movement. The Hollywood Regency style aimed to replicate the opulent film sets from the 1930s, characterized by its maximalist aesthetic, incorporating vibrant jewel tones and whimsical decorations.

Today, numerous glam-inspired rooms exhibit a combination of both contemporary and vintage elements, paying homage to the classic Hollywood style.

To achieve a vintage glam design, one can start by utilizing furniture that features curved lines, which add an element of surprise. Additionally, incorporating a variety of fabrics such as velvet, silk, and furs can contribute to the desired aesthetic. Introducing metallic accents and embellishing the space with glossy ceramic animal heads and unique sculptures will add further charm and unexpected elements.

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Design a.k.a. Retro

The period of mid-century modern design, also known as “retro” design, encompassed the years from 1940 to 1960. This era embraced minimalism in interior design as a response to previous, more elaborate styles.

Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and geometric shapes, and it generally has a lower height compared to other furniture styles.

To achieve a mid-century modern vintage design, follow these steps: utilize a neutral color palette, incorporate streamlined furniture, and add natural textiles to your room. Keep your decor minimal and select pieces that serve both form and function.

Vintage-Style Décor Ideas for Each Decade

Creating a captivating retro interior is an uncomplicated task if you are aware of the suitable decorations and furnishings to utilize. The subsequent guidance on postmodern and mid-century interior design will assist in bringing to life any space influenced by the 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s.

Classic 50s Retro Interior Design

The 50s was an exciting time for interior design, from Scandinavian furniture to pastel colors and more. To create a 50s-style living room or entire interior, use vintage décor and reproduction pieces along with a few designer changes.

1. 50s Modern Retro Interior Design Icon: The Eames Chair & Ottoman

Invest in an original or reproduction set of the sleek Eames chair and matching ottoman, as few furniture pieces from the 50s are as iconic. This will create a sophisticated focal point, and perhaps even a debonair one.

2. Pretty Pastel Kitchens

Vintage-style décor, such as retro appliances, complements the connection between pastel colors and 50s kitchens. By incorporating these retro appliances into any kitchen, one can infuse a touch of the era while showcasing pastels alongside chrome accents and curved lines, which are also reminiscent of the time.

3. Funky Patterned Wallpaper

To embrace vintage-style interior design, apply retro-inspired wallpaper as patterned wallpaper, featuring popular motifs of the 50s like boomerang and atomic designs, was highly favored alongside florals and damasks.

4. Lighting: Not Just Practical 

In the 1950s, lamp design transformed from being purely functional to becoming a fashionable form of decoration. To achieve a space that reflects the era, opt for dynamic, abstract, and geometric-shaped lighting. Additionally, consider adding a dramatic atomic chandelier to enhance a modern retro interior design aesthetic.

Top Retro 60s Interior Design Ideas

By adopting some of the best-known trends from the 60s, it is possible to achieve the same ambiance that defined 60s interior design, which was groovy and had space-age vibes.

5. 60s Modern Retro Interior Design Icon: The CH07 Shell Chair

Despite its sleek design, Hans J. Wegner’s Shell Chair did not gain significant popularity until the 90s. However, following its reemergence, it quickly became a sought-after furniture piece for retro-style living rooms influenced by the 60s.

6. Introduce Plenty of Plants

To pay tribute to the vintage-style home décor of the 60s, incorporate houseplants of different sizes throughout your interior, just like they used to include abundant indoor flora.

7. Roll Out the Bar Cart

Bar carts are both mobile and space-saving, making them ideal for apartment living. They also add a charming vintage touch, serving as a focal point in the living room. So, let the good times roll with a bar cart from the 60s.

8. Macramé Wall Art

In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for handicrafts, and macramé is no exception to this trend. The appealing aspect of this vintage-style decoration is that you have the option to either create your own or buy pre-made wall hangings.

Funky 70s Interior Design Ideas

When it comes to 70s retro interior design, vibrant colors, daring patterns, and abundance were essential. While some may link the era to quirky appearances, incorporating select iconic elements can instantly enliven any room.

9. 70s Modern Retro Interior Design Icon: Hanging Chairs

Hanging chairs, whether suspended from the ceiling or placed on a stand, are a symbolic representation of the 70s, capturing the carefree essence of that era and continuing to provide amusement in the present day.

10. Shaggy Accents

In the 70s, shag carpets were very popular, but for today’s retro-style interior design adaptations, a full carpet may be excessive. Instead, you can achieve the same depth and warmth with shaggy accent pillows, area rugs, and faux fur throws. However, why not take it a step further and incorporate a bold, fluffy upholstered accent chair? The 20th century was skilled at bringing joy to interiors, and with a little assistance, you can do the same.

11. Terrific Terrazzo 

Terrazzo’s distinct appearance made it a sought-after material for floors and countertops. Regardless of its application, it adds a fantastic retro 70s touch to any interior design, and its speckled pattern enhances the overall aesthetic.

12. Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum has made a comeback, and the current version surpasses the original retro interior design type in both quality and tasteful prints inspired by the 70s.

Bold 80s Retro Interior Design Ideas

13. 80s Modern Retro Interior Design Icon: The Circle Chair

First produced in 1986, the Circle Chair by Hans J. Wegner is another iconic design. These chairs are currently available, but they are only made to order due to the intricate manufacturing process and the expertise needed to craft them. An essential for 80s interiors, the Circle Chair is highly coveted.

14. Transparent Furnishings

Since the 80s, clear furniture made of materials such as acrylic and lucite has existed. These pieces are ideal for creating a sense of cleanliness, spaciousness, and lack of clutter in an interior. They can be matched with vintage-style décor, contemporary elements, and much more – transparent furniture complements any space aesthetically.

15. Neon Signs & Colors

When designing retro-style living rooms or any other area, incorporating a touch of neon is essential. It is important to use these colors and lighting in moderation as a small amount can have a significant impact. Adding a vintage neon sign reminiscent of a diner to the kitchen can create an enjoyable retro ambiance in an unconventional setting.

16. Tropical Prints & Plants

If you want to create a retro interior inspired by the 80s, make sure to include either tropical prints or indoor plants. Additionally, add a touch of neon to achieve a Miami Vice atmosphere.

Vintage Interior Design Tip: Mix the New with the Old

If you prefer a vintage style, it is acceptable to mix and match different pieces. You are allowed to choose one particular style as a reference for your decisions, but you are also welcome to incorporate modern furniture and conveniences. It is not necessary for your design to be historically accurate in order to achieve a vintage feel.

If you are not completely dedicated to a particular design style, it is advisable to choose neutral and timeless options for semi-permanent features such as flooring, cabinetry, and countertops. By doing this, you will be able to alter the appearance of your living area without needing to undertake a home renovation.